noun
Uncommon
tombstone
TOOMS-tohn
Tombstone (noun) means a stone slab or marker placed at a grave, usually inscribed with the deceased's name and dates. Example: “The tombstone was worn smooth by centuries of weather.”
noun
1
A stone slab or marker placed at a grave, usually inscribed with the deceased's name and dates.
"The tombstone was worn smooth by centuries of weather."
verb
1
To jump feet-first from a cliff or high point into water below, entering vertically (British slang).
"A group of teenagers were tombstoning off the harbour wall."
name
1
A historic city in Cochise County, Arizona, known for the gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
"Tourists flock to Tombstone to see re-enactments of the famous shootout."
How to use tombstone
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA grave marker, or (in British slang) the risky act of jumping into water from a height.
Common pairings
carved tombstone
tombstoning off a cliff
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Word forms
- Plural
- tombstones
- Third person singular
- tombstones
- Past tense
- tombstoned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ was worn smooth by centuries of weather.
Etymology
From "tomb" plus "stone."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for tombstone
See all rhymes for tombstone →Frequently asked questions
What does “tombstone” mean?
The word “tombstone” means a stone slab or marker placed at a grave, usually inscribed with the deceased's name and dates. In plain terms, a grave marker, or (in British slang) the risky act of jumping into water from a height.
How do you pronounce “tombstone”?
“Tombstone” is pronounced TOOMS-tohn (/ˈtuːmstoʊn/ in IPA).
How do you use “tombstone” in a sentence?
Here is “tombstone” used in a sentence: “The tombstone was worn smooth by centuries of weather.”
What part of speech is “tombstone”?
Depending on how it is used, “tombstone” can be a noun, a verb and a name.
Is “tombstone” a common word?
“Tombstone” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “tombstone” have?
“Tombstone” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a stone slab or marker placed at a grave, usually inscribed with the deceased's name and dates.
